CHICAGO, May 21 /PRNewswire/ -- Borg-Warner Protective Services
Corporation (BWPS), a unit of Borg-Warner Security Corporation (NYSE: BOR),
was cited yesterday for its "Welfare to Work" programs by President Bill
Clinton at the launch of The Welfare to Work Partnership at the White House.
Started in early 1995, the programs, operated by the company's Northwest
Business Unit, have hired more than 1,000 employees on public assistance, of
which almost 600 persons currently are active in the program.
    "We are extremely proud to become a major participant in The Welfare to
Work Partnership and share our experiences with other companies who are
helping this important national initiative," said John O'Brien, president of
Borg-Warner Protective Services.  "These programs have no down side; they are
good for the individual, good for the company and good for our local and
national economy."
    Borg-Warner Protective Services Corp. has had success in hiring former
welfare recipients for its Wells Fargo Guard Services and Burns International
protective service organizations, which provide security for high-profile
clients including Fortune 500 companies, diplomatic embassies, colleges and
public utility operations.  BWPS provides 26 weeks of training, as well as
insurance and retirement benefits, for individuals who become security guards,
supervisors and office personnel.  In addition, trainees can receive an
additional 24 hours of instruction that allow them to qualify for state-issued
security licenses.  These licenses are owned by the individual, not the
company.
    "Our programs are designed for the unique needs of these individuals while
maintaining the stringent standards required to be a Borg-Warner security
officer," added O'Brien.
    "Since beginning the program in New York City, we have expanded our
contacts with agencies throughout the Northeast and into the Midwest," said
Jack Donohue, president of BWPS's Northeast Business Unit, who attended
yesterday's ceremony.  "Our partnerships now include Operation Fatherhood in
New Jersey, Employment Service Program in Massachusetts, Supportive Work
Program in Rhode Island and the Private Industry Council/JTPA in
Pennsylvania."
    Donohue noted that in less than two years, BWPS hired 1,006 persons
through its Welfare to Work program.  In addition, BWPS has had a high
retention rate and positive customer satisfaction ratings among these
employees.
    "The main difference we have found between those hired from public
assistance -- and those who are not -- is that these are people who may have
had a rocky past but prove to be productive and dependable employees," said
Christine Hirschl-Thayer, BWPS General Manager who oversees the programs.
"They come to work on time and are eager to get the job done.  Furthermore,
they are committed individuals who stay with our company."
    With the expansion of the program to other regions and participation in
the new Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) program, Borg-Warner Security now
has an additional source of qualifiable potential employees.
    The Welfare to Work Partnership, whose formation was announced yesterday,
is a Washington-based independent, non-partisan national effort of the
American business community to help move those on public assistance into jobs
in the private sector.  The Partnership encourages companies to hire and
retain former welfare recipients -- without displacing existing workers.  It
provides information, technical assistance and support for business of all
sizes, from all industries and all regions of the country.  The founding
companies of the Partnership are United Airlines, Burger King, Monsanto
Company, Sprint Corporation and United Parcel Services of America.  Gerald
Greenwald, CEO of United Airlines, is the Chairman of the Board of the
Partnership.
    Borg-Warner Security Corporation is the nation's largest provider of
security services.  The company employs 73,000 security officers, and offers a
complete range of electronic and physical security services under the Wells
Fargo and Burns names.  The company serves more than 140,000 commercial
business, industrial facilities, financial institutions, government complexes
and residences nationwide.

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